Le Petit Saint Vincent
Fourth-generation heritage: Dominique Joseph, known as “Pélo,” has led the family estate since 1990, combining traditional methods with a personal, thoughtful approach.
Certified organic farming: The 12-hectare vineyard in Saumur-Champigny has been organically farmed since 1992 and officially certified since 2010.
Terroir-driven Cabernet Franc: Wines reflect the distinct sandy clay and chalky soils of Varrains, crafted with minimal intervention to express purity and finesse.
Signature cuvées: Highlights include the flagship Pélo, the elegant Les Poyeux, and the rare Les Perruchets Saumur Blanc from Chenin Blanc.
Domaine Le Petit Saint Vincent – Saumur-Champigny with Soul
In the heart of Saumur-Champigny, in the village of Varrains, lies Domaine Le Petit Saint Vincent, a testament to the enduring legacy of family winemaking. Dominique Joseph, affectionately known as "Pélo," represents the fourth generation at the helm of this 12-hectare estate. Since taking over in 1990, Dominique has infused his personal touch into the domaine, elevating its wines to reflect both tradition and innovation.
The estate's vineyards, planted primarily with Cabernet Franc, benefit from the unique terroir of sandy clay and cretaceous chalk soils, with southwest-facing slopes at altitudes between 50 to 80 meters. The vines, ranging from 30 to 80 years old, are meticulously tended through practices such as plowing, pruning, thinning, and leaf removal to ensure optimal grape maturity. Hand harvesting is employed to select only the finest fruit, maintaining the integrity of the wine.
Dominique's commitment to quality extends beyond the vineyard. Since 1992, the domaine has embraced organic viticulture, achieving official certification in 2010. In the cellar, winemaking is characterized by gentle techniques: destemming, minimal sulfur additions, and aging in concrete tanks, with select cuvées like Les Poyeux receiving maturation in oak. This approach allows the true expression of the terroir to shine through in each bottle.
Among the standout offerings is the Pélo cuvée, named after Dominique's childhood nickname. This wine showcases the depth and character of Saumur-Champigny, with rich fruit, fine tannins, and a harmonious balance. Other notable cuvées include Les Poyeux, sourced from a renowned vineyard site, and Les Perruchets, a rare Saumur Blanc made from Chenin Blanc in the esteemed Les Perruchets lieu-dit.
Domaine Le Petit Saint Vincent stands as a beacon of dedication, tradition, and passion in the world of Saumur-Champigny wines. Dominique Joseph's unwavering commitment ensures that each bottle is not just a wine, but a story of heritage and craftsmanship.